Notice to Students: Recommended Vaccinations

Meningococcal Vaccine Use in College

Students The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Washington State
Department of Health (DOH) Vaccine Advisory Committee recommend that all students
entering college and living in congregate settings (including dorms, fraternities
and sororities), should receive the meningococcal vaccine. The Grant County Health
District follows the general recommendations of the ACIP under advisement from the
Washington State Vaccine Advisory Committee. College students, particularly those
that live in dorms, have a modestly increased risk of getting the disease. About 100
cases occur on college campuses in the U.S. each year, with five to fifteen deaths.
A meningococcal vaccine protects against four of the five most common types of the
disease, which can result in serious or life-threatening illness. Vaccine protection
lasts three to five years and can prevent 50-70% of cases on college campuses. Those
students who will be attending college and residing in congregate settings should
talk with a health care professional about obtaining the meningococcal vaccine prior
to college entry. The Health District also keeps a limited number of doses of meningococcal
vaccine on hand; its use is prioritized for use in those at highest risk. Currently,
the Health District vaccine in available to students in the above category.

Also, it is recommended that all students have had the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
(MMR) series, a Tetanus booster in the last 10 years, and the Hepatitis B series.